Emergency Services

Providing service to patients experiencing problems including stroke and heart attack.

Emergency Department’s Stroke Prevention Clinic

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) can be a warning sign that someone is in danger of having a full stroke, and occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked for a short time. The brain malfunctions temporarily and then usually returns to normal with no permanent damage. Sometimes, however, permanent damage to brain functions, such as short term memory loss, can occur.

“When a patient comes to the Stroke Prevention Clinic, a nurse reviews their health history to suggest lifestyle changes that could help prevent a full stroke in the future. A neurological exam is performed and the neurologist reviews any tests the patient may have had done recently, such as a CT scan, carotid ultrasound, or MRI. The patient does all this at MGH&FC’s Stroke Prevention Clinic, where the neurologist and patient talk face-to-face via tele-robot. The neurologist then gives follow-up orders and information. The stroke clinic visit is then followed up by the patient visiting their primary care provider,” said Nelson, adding that “helping to ward off a full stroke is the Clinic’s main goal, as well as providing services that patients once had to travel to Olympia to receive”.

Nelson explained that a patient will receive follow-up phone calls at one month, three months, six months, and one year following their first visit to the Stroke Prevention Clinic, to see if they’ve had additional TIAs or strokes, and to make sure they are following their plan to reduce the risk of another stroke. It is also a check to see if they need further support or resources to help accomplish their goals.

“So far, we’ve received really great patient feedback for the program because of the one-on-one care and personal education we provide for the patients,” Nelson added. A Stroke Prevention Clinic appointment lasts about an hour and includes a lifestyle assessment.

“We start with small lifestyle changes, choosing one thing to work on so the patient doesn’t get overwhelmed. They decide what to work on and we help them with it,” Nelson said. Suggestions for change may include to stop smoking, lose weight, or to add daily exercise to their routine – all of which help decrease stroke risk.

“I think the biggest advantage of our stroke clinic is that people are getting in for care much faster. It’s also cost effective having all of their tests done at once, and in one place. A patient can have their MRI, ultrasound, CT scans, and lab tests all here at Mason General, and usually in one visit instead of having to make multiple appointments. You’re not likely to get that kind of patient-centered care at any other area hospital,” Nelson concluded.

With an emphasis on ‘prevention,’ MGH&FC’s TIA Clinic was recently re-named the Stroke Prevention Clinic.

How to Prevent Stroke

If your blood pressure is high, lower it. For people over age 18, high blood pressure is a measurement of 140/90 or higher.

Find out if you have atrial fibrillation (Afib). Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that can cause blood to pool in parts of your heart. Pooling blood can cause clots which can break away and cause a stroke.

If you smoke, stop. Smoking doubles the risk of stroke.

If you drink, drink in moderation. Heavy drinking can increase the risk of stroke.

Keep your cholesterol at a normal level. Your total cholesterol should be under 200, and your LDL or “bad” cholesterol should be between 50 and 70.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen when I arrive in the Emergency Department?

First, you will see the triage nurse... When you arrive at the Emergency Department, triage personnel will evaluate your condition and determine the first step in your care. Please be prepared to give the following information:

Reason for your visit

When you had your last tetanus shot

Names and doses of medications you are taking

If you are allergic to any medications

If you think you may be pregnant

Previous medical history

How many visitors are allowed in the Emergency Department?

For the privacy of our patients, only one or two visitors may be with you in the treatment area. Other visitors may remain in the waiting area. The door to your room must remain closed to protect your privacy and that of other patients. We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of your visitors to keep noise levels down for the comfort of all patients

What are my rights in the Emergency Department?

You have the right to receive, within the capabilities of this hospital’s staff and facilities: Appropriate medical screening, Necessary stabilizing treatment, If necessary, appropriate transfer to another facility. These are to be provided even if: You cannot pay, or You do not have medical insurance, or You are not entitled to Medicare or Medicaid.

What are the signs of stroke?

FACE Drooping

Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is their smile uneven?

ARM Weakness

Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

SPEECH Difficulty

Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue”. Is the sentence repeated correctly?